Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth

Tags

Scientific name: Hemaris tityus

A bumble-bee mimic. Flies by day from mid April in some seasons to July.

Can be seen feeding at flowers, such as Bugle, louseworts and Marsh Thistle. Can be confused with the Broad-bordered Bee Hawk-moth (H. fuciformis), although that species has broader bands on the outer edges of the wings, in particular on the hindwing.

Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth has two blackish bands on the abdomen, obscured by golden hairs, although these can wear off with time making the bands appear more extensive. The large bee fly (Bombylius major) is smaller than either of the bee hawk-moths and has the proboscis (tongue) forward-pointing.

Size and Family

Family – Hawk-moths (Sphingidae)

Medium Sized

Wing Span Range (male to female) - 41-46mm

Conservation status

UK BAP: Priority Species

Nationally Scarce

Caterpillar Description

Overwinters as a pupa, the larva feeding from late April until mid August, depending on season and location.